In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn an average annual salary of $41,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,060, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry concentration and demand, play a significant role in compensation for this specialized role within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,450.
- Outlook: The local job market for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, shows a healthy concentration with a Location Quotient of 1.33, indicating a presence that is 33% higher than the national average. With 1.5 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 230 in this occupation, the demand appears stable and well-established within the regional economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-11.5%below the national average.
$20
$801
$3,470
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for manufactured goods, and evolving skill requirements likely contribute to a gradual upward trajectory in compensation for these skilled positions.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential throughout one's career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,490 | $14.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,230 | $15 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $38,940 | $18.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $52,050 | $25 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,450 | $28.1 |
Detailed Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $41,640 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for individuals considering a move to the area for this profession.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
1.5
Per 1K Jobs
1.33
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.33, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.33 for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive market for employers seeking skilled workers, but also indicates a robust industry presence that offers more opportunities for job seekers in this field within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $41,640. This typically ranges from $30,490 for entry-level positions to $58,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 11.5% lower than the national median of $47,060.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
No, it is not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $41,640 is below the national average of $47,060, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($48,780) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $41,640, which is lower than the national average of $47,060.
What is the Cost of Living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC for this profession?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating a neutral cost of living.
How concentrated is the job market for Metal Press Operators in this area?
The job market is more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.33, suggesting a stronger presence of this industry in the region.
What is the total local workforce for this occupation in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
There are approximately 230 individuals employed as Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 1.5 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC